July 26-28, 2024
Well, Newport Folk hit its Medicare age a little before me, but NFF 65 has all the vigor of its youth. Songs are still sung as resistance, but they may take the shape of Killer Mike and De La Soul, the Grateful Drag of Bertha or Billy Bragg and his Woody by way of Essex outright wake the fuck up-isms. It is the family picnic we always wish we had.
Once again, I was the only west coast photographer shooting North America’s oldest roots festival, and once again I worked with No Depression to cover the three days. The two dozen or so photographers I shared the pit with are a tight and friendly bunch, many of whom have become good friends through the years. This year, I shot a portrait session each day, including the Grammy winning Allison Russell, whose luminous spirit came together with the craggy spaces of a 200-year old Fort to stunning effect, the whimsy of Tim and Phill Hanseroth who have been backing up Brandi Carlile for years and soon to be on the road with Joni Mitchell, as well as a power trio of songwriters with Steve Poltz, John Craigie and Tre Burt.
Selected shots and words are featured in No Depression’s Through the Lens column, and a much deeper archive is available to view upon request.
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